Actress Marcia Wallace to speak at University of Chicago Medical Center's 20th annual Cancer Survivors Day

Event highpoint: 100s of former cancer patients dancing in the aisles

May 28, 2010

Marcia Wallace, best known for her Emmy-winning role as Mrs. Edna Krabappel on The Simpsons, as Carol Kester on the Bob Newhart Show, as Murphy Brown's secretary, and as a panelist on hundreds of television talk and game shows and 50 commercials, will be the keynote speaker for the 20th annual Cancer Survivors Day celebration, sponsored by the University of Chicago Medical Center.

The event, the largest of its kind in the Chicago area, will be held from noon to 3 pm on Sunday, June 6, 2010, in the Wellington Ballroom of the Westin Hotel, 909 N. Michigan Ave.

Survivors Day is a free event for anyone who has had cancer and their family and friends. It is a celebration of survival and life and an afternoon of sharing, laughter, encouragement, music and hope.

Chicago sportscaster Tom Shaer, of Sports News Radio, will be the afternoon's Master of Ceremonies. Gastroenterologist and cancer survivor Leslie Wallene Yang, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, will provide the program's opening remarks.

Chicago Blues singer Lynne Jordan and the Shivers will provide entertainment. The band, regulars at this event, have traveled around the world. Chicago Blues legend Buddy Guy is a fan. Each year they manage to coax the nearly 1,000 audience members up out of the chairs to start dancing.

Wallace, 67, the keynote speaker, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1985. After treatment, she became an activist and lecturer on the subject, helping educate Americans about the importance of early cancer detection and inspiring others through her 25 years as a survivor. She has spoken to thousands of women across the country, sharing her "hilarious and moving story." Her battle with cancer is featured in her autobiography, Don't Look Back, We're Not Going That Way, published in 2004.

The afternoon's activities include a special kids' program, featuring face painting, balloons and a magic show.

Events: Noon to 3 pm

Noon - 12:50 pm -- Exhibit booths, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments

1 pm -- Welcome remarks from Master of Ceremonies Tom Shaer

1:05 pm -- Remarks from Dr Yang

1:20 pm -- Performance by Lynne Jordan and the Shivers

1:50 pm -- Keynote Speaker Marcia Wallace

Admission is free, but participants are encouraged to RSVP by June 4 to 773-702-9200 or 1-888-UCH-0200.